If weather holds, fireworks for the Fourth will fly

If the weather cooperates, many Fourth of July celebrations around the Valley will go off as scheduled Friday.

That includes the Republic Services Arizona "Celebration of Freedom" at 6 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center and Amphiteathre.

It will feature a kids zone, tailgating area, war re-enactors and a splash zone.

But the big finale will be the fireworks extravaganza that begins at 9:15 p.m.

Organizers said even the Arizona heat shouldn't discourage people from attending.

"When you have a typhoon cooling system at an event, people can escape the heat," "Typhoon" Tommy Tutera said. "It's a proven fact they stay longer. For promoters, they love it, they spend more money, it's a Organizers in Mesa say it's best if you people park behind the businesses along Main Street.

Thursday night's monsoon put a big dent in Fourth of July celebrations.

In Ahwatukee, the fireworks show was a bust, thanks to wind and lightning.

The event coordinator had to call off the "Red, White and Boom" fireworks show because of high winds and lighting that struck uncomfortably close.

There was no word as to whether the show would be rescheduled.

And that wasn't the only show canceled Thursday.

The city of Phoenix called off its "Light up the Sky" fireworks display because of the winds near 50 mph and rain.

It will not be rescheduled, organizers said.

And the "Star Spangled Sundown" celebration at the Westin Kierland Resort also was canceled.

Click here to find Fourth of July celebrations scheduled for Friday evening in a community near you.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva (78) stands outside the tunnel alone during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the field during the national anthem for next weekend's game against the Baltimore Ravens.